CATEGORIES

Lessons From Target-Date Funds

You may or may not be a fan of target-date funds. But those one-decision investments, which adjust the mix of assets to become more conservative as the year of your retirement (or some other goal) approaches, can teach us all a thing or two about how to deal with challenging markets.

Know The Risks Of Cryptocurrencies

Some investors have made a lot of money, but losses can be painfully real.

Janet Bodnar - Health Coverage Is No Slam Dunk

When I was editor of this magazine, I read every story—usu-ally more than once. So when I was planning my retirement as editor earlier this year, I thought I had everything under control.

Should You Invest In Commodities?

The market has again reminded us that stocks can move in two directions.

The Power Of Living Within Your Means

Creating a budget is crucial at any age, but it’s especially important—and daunting—for us millennials.

Get Help With Medicare Coverage

Whew! Thanks for your over-whelming response to my column on the challenges of signing up for Medicare (“Living in Retirement,” Dec.).

To Save More, Tap Into Your Emotions

I am knee-deep in mementos and family heirlooms these days, having cleaned out three separate houses within the past 14 months following my parents’ deaths and an aunt’s decision to downsize.

How To Know It's Time To Retire

The decision to retire is a personal one that’s as much psychological as financial.

Start Investing Now? Uh, Yeah

Don’t wait for stocks to get cheaper. Every second you procrastinate, you give up one of your greatest assets: time.

Brokers Change Their Game Plan

Even without a fiduciary rule, many have adopted new pricing models.

Kimberly Lankford - Charitable Giving Is A Family Affair

A donor-advised fund is a tax-savvy way for families to pool their charitable dollars and create the next generation of philanthropists.

The Best List

We asked our staff to nominate their picks for top financial products and services, gadgets, and deals—everything from timely mutual funds and ETFs to the most rewarding rewards credit cards to hidden gems among used cars. Unlike other best list compilations you may see, our top choices aren’t the best products and services of the year—they are the best ones available right now, so you can use our list as a guide for every facet of your financial life.

Getting In The Investing Game

Getting In The Investing Game

The Benefits Of Being Your Own Boss

The Benefits Of Being Your Own Boss

Finding Their Own Business Cycle

Opening a bike shop let this couple turn their passion into a new career.

Shareholders Are Shaking Things Up

Hot-button issues this year include climate change and board diversity.

ID Theft

Act now to protect yourself.

Get A Head Start On College Savings

The morning after my husband, Tom, and I learned that I was pregnant, I found him quietly tapping and clicking on his laptop. If I weren’t already sure that we were a match made in personal finance heaven, that moment would have confirmed it: He was looking up projected college costs a couple of decades down the road.

How To Break Up With Your Stock

You've had some good times ogether. You’ve had some bad times. Now you have to decide if it’s time for your stock to start seeing other people. Selling isn’t easy, especially if you’ve been together for a long time.

How To Make A Million (Or More!)

What these success stories have in common is passion and persistence and a vision for what their wealth can achieve.

Stocks That Smart Managers Like Now

These pros use the market’s downdrafts to their advantage.

Technology Stocks: Should You Bail?

As tech meltdowns go, the recent one is tame. Still, we think a couple of tech titans may be worth buying now.

Why We're Better Buyers Than Sellers

You no doubt think long and hard—and do plenty of research—before you buy a stock. But a new study shows that investors tend to put far less effort into sell decisions, and that can hurt you.

How Much Cash Is In Your Wallet?

Electronic payments are increasing, but a cashless economy has drawbacks.

529 Plans Aren't Just for Kids

529 college-savings

The Lesson In The College Scandal

I was as stunned as the next person when news broke recently that 33 wealthy parents were indicted on fraud charges for trying to bribe or cheat their kids’ way into elite colleges.

My Preference For Preferreds

Preferred stocks may sound like humdrum investments, but the category’s performance has been anything but, with year-to-date total returns of about 7.5%.

Racing To Retirement

The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement is catching on with a new generation that is redefining what it means to be retired.

A Visit With Mr. Money Mustache

Pete Adeney retired at age 30 and has been working hard ever since to inspire his FIRE followers.

The Case For Keeping Some Cash

Two issues ago, I urged everybody to suspend all inclination to brood about gathering risks or missed opportunities and let ones portfolio snooze.